[Day Service] Handmade Autumn Crafts: Take-Home Project Ideas
As the weather turns chilly, this time of year is also known as the season of art, and many older adults may feel inspired to make things.
In this article, we’ll introduce craft ideas that are perfect for autumn.
The ideas featured here can be enjoyed as seasonal decorations or home interiors, making them great for recreational activities at day service centers, too.
After you’ve made them, be sure to take them home and enjoy the autumn atmosphere there as well.
They also make wonderful gifts for family and friends.
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[Day Service] Handmade Autumn Crafts: Take-Home Project Ideas (11–20)
Owl made from a paper cup
This is an owl craft using paper cups that lets you fully enjoy the autumn atmosphere.
Since it uses paper cups, the finished owls can stand on their own and be displayed in various places—that’s the charm! Crumple some paper, tear it into pieces, and glue them all over the paper cup.
Then make the wings, ears, face, and chest pattern from origami paper, attach them, and you’re done.
You can also use paper cups of different sizes to create a parent-and-child owl set! If you’re decorating on a wall, adding a fall-colored tree or leaves will make the display even more vibrant.
Acorn brooch

Let me introduce an idea for making a cute brooch with lots of dangling acorns using fabric scraps.
A pattern is available for this project, so cut the pieces from fabric according to the pattern and sew them together.
The pieces you’ll use are the acorn nut, the cupule (cap), and the fabric that wraps the base of the acorn.
You’ll also need stuffing for the inside of the nut, string to hang the acorns, and a brooch pin, so please prepare those as well.
Sew the fabric into pouch or tube shapes to create each part, then assemble them at the end to finish the brooch.
You can make the entire project by hand sewing.
Aurora Acorn

Let’s make aurora acorns using holographic film sold at 100-yen shops.
If you’re using acorns you picked up, be sure to prevent insects first by boiling them or using another sterilization method.
Start by removing the acorn caps and polishing the outside until it shines using a receipt.
Make a hole in the bottom with an awl, insert a toothpick or small stick for a handle, then brush on liquid laundry starch and decorate with holograms in your favorite colors.
Finish by applying another coat of laundry starch and putting the cap back on.
You’re done! Add a screw eye to turn it into a keychain or ornament.
3D acorns made from construction paper

It’s said that during the Jomon period, when people’s diets centered on hunting and gathering, chestnuts and acorns were eaten in large quantities.
As time passed and diets became more abundant, the relatively low-sweetness acorns fell out of favor.
I’ve heard there are still people who enjoy acorn tofu today, but it isn’t all that common, is it? How is it in your region? Making slightly larger, three-dimensional acorns out of paper could be quite striking.
Since they’re made by combining many thin strips of paper, it might be nice to split up the work and make them together.
Used as decorations, they’re a craft that will liven up any room!
Acorn craft with drawing paper and paints

Here are some ideas for making acorns with marble art.
First, line a container with construction paper and place marbles coated with paint on top.
If you want to use several colors, increase the number of marbles and coat each one with a different color of paint.
Tilt the container to roll the marbles and create patterns, then let it dry and cut the construction paper into the shape of an acorn cap.
Place it over the acorn nut you made from construction paper and glue it in place to finish.
If you draw faces on the acorns, they’ll look like characters and turn out even cuter.
Acorns made of paper

Picking up acorns on a walk and displaying them at home sounds nice, but then bugs come out or mold starts growing…
If you feel a bit uneasy about bringing things you found outside into your home, how about making paper acorns that look just like the real thing? It’s a craft where you layer thin strips of paper over and over, so I’d love people with patience and perseverance to give it a try.
The trick is not to use just one brown, but to mix brown shades—blackish brown, lighter browns, and so on! Be sure to carefully observe the acorns you picked up outside as you work!
[Day Service] Handmade Autumn Crafts: Take-Home Project Ideas (21–30)
Paper core bat

These bats are incredibly handy when decorating a room with a Halloween vibe.
Make plenty of them and they’ll look like a swarm, boosting the spookiness.
First, cut a toilet paper roll in half—leave it as is if you want a bigger bat—and cover it with black paper.
It’s a good idea to line the inside with black paper too.
For the wings, use cellophane or plastic and craft the shape.
Make the eyes a vivid yellow or gold to contrast with the black! If you decorate with fluorescent paint, they’ll glow in the dark.
These bats will spark all kinds of creative ideas!



